Tuesday, December 31, 2019

First things first

Mobilize to gospel conversations
Book Tactics by Greg Koukl

Perspectives cards are a great tool for gospel conversation
Met an agnostic who believed in evolution. Morality - would Nazi morality be ok if they had won the war? 
Be prepared for the questions you are asked. Agitated response is ok as long as you are faithful.
Apologetics to make a defense. To show the gospel message is true. 
It's not about
Winning arguments
Showing you are smart
Making others feel dumb
1 Peter 3.15
But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.
1 Peter 3:15 NET

Preparation requires the right tools. Scripture 
Acts 17
Muslim apologetics
Scientific - 
Cultural - how does Christianity
Tailored to the audience

Become lifelong learners to share your faith

Jesus is asked 183 questions and he answered with 307 questions to answer their questions

Columbo is a detective that pretends to be not smart. Socratic irony

Burden of proof
If you make a claim you are responsible to prove
Hold them to gentle scrutiny
What do you mean by that? How can you prove that? 

Lead the way
Start with common ground. 

Innocent as doves
Emphasize the respect that you have for them
Have you considered?

Narrate debate

What do you mean by that?

Arguments that commit suicide
All truth is subjective can't be true

Taking the roof off
Morality that leads to absurd conclusions

Steamroller
Stop and ask to respond. If not possible to stop say goodbye 

Rhodes Scholar
Ask for evidence and merits. 
Science doesn't say anything. 80% of biological studies can't be replicated. 

Just the Facts
Be aware of falsified arguments. There are so many. Be able to say no. The Bible is not a translation. Hebrew Aramaic Greek. 1000s of ancient manuscripts

More sweat. Less blood
Be ready. Keep it simple. Avoid religious language. Focus on Christian truth. Give reasons. Stay calm. If they want to leave let them. Give them something up read. The ultimate questions of life. 

An Australian man gave gospel tracts all the time. Dozens were saved. 

Be faithful in witnessing. The Bible was organically compiled. Not at the Council of Nicea.

People are asking about the problem of evil. Why is the world so broken? We have the answer. 
We chose the reign of sin. Jesus has created the reign of God. The church is making all things new. 

How do you deal with the agnostics that don't care? Ask them to consider if it's true. People are ok with the contradictions.

Someone that's mad at God needs pastoral care. Remind them that God cares. 

Cheryl Bear at P2C+

We are on Treaty 13 territory. 
Always start with prayer to honour the Creator.
Book introduction to First Nations ministry. 
I was part of Broken Walls team at Urbana. 
51 years old. Young people have this openness. 40 years ago Studying Indians in Canada in grade 6. Hurons might be extinct. I felt unseen. It's always about the land. 

Felt God talk to me through the river and the trees. Baptized as a child with indigenous singers singing. 
The spirit of God talks to us through nature. God speaks perfectly through Jesus. 
Read the book The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. As the story unfolds Aslan dies for the naughty kid. That kept me a Christian knowing that God loves me so much. 
Felt like a 2nd class citizens. 

Native Concept of God grandfather. Grandparents are far more tolerant of misbehaving kids. They push away the judgemental voices. God as grandparent looks right past the issues. 
The Ancient of Days do loves you. 

Jon Corbin P2C

Was in a Christian fellowship group in university. 
What would it look like to invest your experience in your campus?
Was in music. Sat in on the radio station. Soon I had my own show playing edifying music. Engage with people. 
Event wise we started hip hop helps. WV famine. Put on a hip hop show to attract the public to support WV.
Found talent for rapping commissioned by my coaches. Went to a lot of new places. Curious about the people there. Social media has created pressure to every one to comment on everything. Read ask questions
Urbana conference Broken Walls singing group was there. Infused with indigenous music. Led in worship with Indigenous drummers. Worship together in heaven will be multi cultural. Including hip hop. My mentor kept encouraging me to translate culture seeking the heart of God. 
What do you think worship in heaven will be like? All presidents and leaders will bow their knees before Jesus. 

What would it look like if you took your passions and in faith let God bring them out. Surrender and pray. 

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Ask and you will receive

Vic Neufeld pastor https://nkmb.org/
I was the youngest and that was great. Got away with everything. Dad didn't allow us to ask for ice cream. 
Challenge
Jesus said to them, "When you pray, say this: 'Father: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come.  Give us day by day the food we need.  Forgive us our sins, for we forgive everyone who does us wrong. And do not bring us to hard testing.'"
Luke 11:2‭-‬4 GNT
We live in a fallen world. God's will is not happening in this world. We need to ask him. 
Forgive others.

Challenge
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Suppose one of you should go to a friend's house at midnight and say, 'Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine who is on a trip has just come to my house, and I don't have any food for him!' And suppose your friend should answer from inside, 'Don't bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' Well, what then? I tell you that even if he will not get up and give you the bread because you are his friend, yet he will get up and give you everything you need because you are not ashamed to keep on asking. And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Luke 11:5‭-‬9 GNT
This would be a real problem in that world of shame based culture. 
Seek and find. 
What have you stopped praying for in 2019? Have you stopped knocking? There are 2 ditches. 
1 God will do what God will do. No. He expects our prayers and events transpire differently as a result. Our prayers make a difference. 
2. The other ditch is name it and claim it. That is wrong. We're nervous about asking too much. 
Sometimes we ask for a scorpion. I know God will answer my prayer in a way that brings glory to Him. 
As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Luke 11:13 GNT
Ask boldly with shameless audacity. Pour out your hearts over and over. The things we ask for will be ever closer to God's will. 

What have you ceased asking God for? 

Post Christmas

Vic pastor 

Paul Hantz German pastor
As a boy I fell and stopped breathing. Father did CPR but couldn't revive him. Mom came to help and I'm still here

Are we thanking God for life as a gift from God? Are we ready to be called home? 
God's goal for us is to achieve eternal life. 
Hezekiah the king became ill. He cleaned the temple and defeated the philistines.  He got ill and God sent the prophet to tell him to set his affairs in order. 
A member recently was on her deathbed and had prayed that God would give her a disease that would give her time to set her things in order. He did.

We should be constantly busy setting our affairs in order. Forgive others. Forgive to be forgiven. That's not easy. 

2 elderly sisters blamed each others for an accident and have not spoken in 20 years. 

Hezekiah pleaded with God to add 15 years to his life. 

What will 2020 bring? What will I accomplish? 
God is in charge of our lives. Have you thought about what it will be like when your time is up? 
We do many funerals. We ask them on their deathbed. Are you ready? 

Sunday, December 22, 2019

God chose shepherds

Delbert Enns www.EastView.org

God chose shepherds throughout the Old Testament. Moses. David. God called himself a shepherd. 
 
By the time of the Talmut shepherds were the lowest of the low. Outcasts. Ceremoniously unclean. Foul mouthed fighters.

Why did God reveal himself to shepherds? He came for the ones that were NOT IN. 

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because Jesus was going to pass that way. So he came down quickly and welcomed Jesus joyfully.  But Zacchaeus stopped and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I now give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone of anything, I am paying back four times as much!" Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this household, because he too is a son of Abraham!  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Luke 19:1‭, ‬4‭, ‬6‭, ‬8‭-‬10 NET

It's uphill from Jericho to Jerusalem. It was the tax capital of the area. Z was the district manager of the tax thieves. Sinner. Z is wealthy but he knew something was missing. 

Jesus had just healed a blind beggar. The story circulated and Z had to find out what it was all about. Z felt rejected and lonely. Lots of emotions. 

Z had challenges. He didn't want to be seen so he climbed a tree to get close to Jesus. He was wealthy and made a double fool of himself by running and climbing a tree. When Jesus talked to him he was filled with joy. Jesus was seeking him. Jesus finds us. We are nobody. He comes to our house. Hurry. Don't think about what others think. Get off your tree. You don't belong there. 
Let's have dinner now without lots of preparation. Just as you are. Joy forged in the fire of discouragement. The crowd grumbled about Jesus going to dine with sinners. 

When you have joy in your heart others will think you are nuts. 
Joy inspires hope. Transformation. Z became staggeringly generous. Joy is a gift from God. We can receive joy by letting go of our past. 
Albert Schweitzer Quote: "If you own something you cannot give away, then you don't own it, it owns you." 

For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. 

Is He Savior to you? 
Is He Lord to you? 

May the God of Hope fill you with joy. 

Joy to the world. Joy joy. 

Delbert and Marianne are taking a Sabbatical until end of April. Ministry will continue with help from everyone. 

Monday, December 09, 2019

Celebration of Life for Gerard Scott-Herridge


Pastor Glenn Krobel Centre Point church
Celebrate and rejoice for his life.
He knew the hope and is rejoicing with the angels. 
Justin Penner scripture reading
We will not all die. Those who have died will live forever. 
God gives us victory over death. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. 
Gerard was a worshiper. Now in heaven. 
Jesus loves me this I know
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Nathan Penner 
Obituary. Gerard was passionate. 
Gerard Scott-Herridge was a passionate man, whether it be for his wife, family, the church, friends or patients.

Gerard was born April 13, 1954 in Liverpool England.  He immigrated to Winnipeg with his mother, sister and father in 1958.  Gerard attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, graduating in 1976, the beginning of one of his passions. 

On October 31, 1979 he surrendered his life and heart to Jesus Christ which arguably initiated his greatest passion. A marriage, as an answer to prayer, to Roberta (nee Penner), his queen, followed shortly thereafter in 1981. His family continued to grow with the birth of his children; Crystal in 1982, Joel in 1984 and Evan in 1987. 

Although his biological family may have been complete there was a desire to expand his spiritual family with brothers and sisters in Christ. Gerard would share his faith at the Remand Centre, Headingly Correctional Institution, Stony Mountain Institution, Milner Ridge Correctional Centre, Main Street Project, fostering children and anyone that would call on him for help. In 1991, Gerard left his active Church to start Bride of Christ Ministries. The prime objective of this ministry was to spread the Gospel of Jesus to the downtrodden, imprisoned, homeless and the hurting. He always wanted to help in any way he could, whether it be to feed, clothe or find housing.

Gerard passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019. He was predeceased by his father, Dennis Scott-Herridge in 2016.  He is survived by; his mother Monica Scott-Herridge, his sister Sandra Bartakovich, his wife Roberta, daughter Crystal (Ben), granddaughters Micah and Amalia, son Joel (Anne), grandchildren Zachary and Elizabeth, and son Evan (Trista), grandson Fletcher. 

Joel son the doctor cardiologist
Celebrate his life. Amazing man. He made you feel loved. 
He helped so many people. 
To love and be loved by Jesus. If we confess our sins he will forgive. 
15 days after meeting they were engaged. Married 3 months later. "I will never hurt you deliberately"
Loving kind joyful and humble. He loved playing Santa. 
He posted for his twin baby girls. Minutes after he died of a heart attack. 
Zach said gramps got an early Christmas gift to be with Jesus.

Life Tribute Evert VanOeveren
Witnessed to him and led him to the Lord. Introduced Roberta to him. Became god parents to their children. 
He was like a brother. Don't give up. Sometimes he had to turn things over to God. 

Met for breakfast every Thursday. He was excited about his family. 
He was one of the busiest people ever. Loved Roberta. 
Traveled with them a lot. He was always reach out to people. He had 100,000 pictures
He called me his best friend. He said often: iron sharpens iron. 
John 3.16 God gave his only son
I'll miss you. Till we meet at jesus feet 
Evan the police man
Letter from aunt. Love is the only thing we can possess and take with us. Gerard loved everyone. 
He loved his grandkids. And nephews. We will miss you. You loved and was loved. 
He loved fun. 

Pastor 
Amazing tributes Gerard would say lighten up. 
Met him here 8 years ago. Loud boisterous and came to pray for me. 
Met for lunch on Wednesday a week before he passed. He was the santa. He always wanted people to know Jesus. 
He was generous. 
He was different. He had so many friends. This place is packed. 
Sincerest condolences.
38 years together with Roberta, loved his family. Evan police man detective. Joel in ministry and chose medicine. Cardiologist. 
Ben and Krista
Sandra and Kirk. On the spectrum. You are loved. 
He was generous. 
He gave spiritual emotional and physical needs to his clients. 
He was generous and supported the preacher and often yelled "Good preaching".
Gerard was very intelligent. The Bible was his favorite. 
Donate today to www.DonateBibles.net 
He knew Jesus. Asked him Wednesday: Are you afraid to die? No. Want to see the grand daughters. 
He wanted everyone to know Jesus. 
God will reconstitute all who know Christ. Encourage one another with this. 
He did lots of good works but he had faith in Jesus. Eternal has a sure anchor. God created the world with a word.
He was a doppelganger for Santa. He used that to lead children to the Lord. 
He walked through significant pain. 
The Pathway to Hope 
Gerard made his decision in 69. Whoever accepts Jesus will have eternal life. 

Roberta 
Thanks for your support. He would do anything for me. He loved his patients. 
Thanks to all who supported us. I need to deal with many things. Joel found 800 candy canes and you all get one. 
Thank you for loving Gerard.

Until we meet again. 

Slide show

Sunday, December 08, 2019

Peace shalom

Pastor Delbert Enns www.EasTview.org 
The creator of the universe came to earth and suffered for us. 
Shalom to restore peace. God made shalom with humans. Jesus is our shalom. Shalom requires a lot of work. 
Col 1.19
God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son.   And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God.  You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message.
Colossians 1:19‭-‬23 CEV

How did Jesus come? Incarnation. God became man. Why? To bring shalom. Reconcile mankind to God. We can make a better world. Live Aid raised millions for Ethiopia. Bob Dillon said we can't save man. 
Jesus wants to make you presentable to God. 
In January we'll go through the gospel of Mark. The unclean woman touched Jesus making him "unclean". She was healed. Go in peace. She received shalom.
Results of shalom. Matthew identified 4 "bad" women in Jesus's genealogy. 
Mission of shalom only if you accept Jesus. He must have your brokenness. Then he can give you shalom. 
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Ephesians 4:1‭-‬3 CEV

Shake hands and give each other the kiss of peace. 

Sunday, December 01, 2019

Church of the Rock That Old Time Religion

Visit www.LifeInternational.ca to help Uganda orphans

Pastor Mark Hughes

Canada was deliberately founded as a Christian nation. 
The fastest religion now is atheism with no belief in God. Suicides drugs are killing young people. Teachers are carrying guns. 
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord , plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
1. Success is not significant
It's important. It's relative. Success for a 4 year old is not peeing your pants 
25 getting married
35 making money
85 being married
95 not peeing your pants 

High school reunion question So what do you do now? 
Mr Big multiple millions came in a chauffeured limousine
Mr T was a tampon salesman very popular with the women and out of a job but lots of personality. 
Success versus significance a good book for men. Bob Buford change the lives of others. Making money is not very fulfilled. Male mental-pause happens at 50. Father had a beautiful wife 5 wonderful kids one exceptional kid. 
I don't look 60, do I?
How do you measure success in ministry? I don't care about publicity. 
Philip Yancey as a writer interviewed stars and servants. The stars were miserable. The servants had wonderful life to be envied. 
We have successful people in church that are ushers and have a purpose greater than themselves. They are achieving significance. 
Andrew Brash climbs mountains and many die in the death zone when they are left to die. He rescued someone and didn't make it to the top. He achieved significance. 
2. Failure is not fatal 
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:28‭-‬31 ESV
Not just the good things. All things work for good when God weaves it for good. 
God created good from terrible sin. David killed his faithful captain. He didn't get away with it. The child dies. David repented. The next child from Bathsheba was Solomon from where Jesus came. 
God has a purpose for you. A destiny. Embrace God's love. 
3. Purpose all things work